In a family with a rich history of athletic prowess, hockey was not the obvious choice for AJ Spellacy. With a father who was a linebacker at Marshall University, a mom who ran track, aunts who excelled in college basketball, an uncle who played football, a brother who played center at East Carolina University, and sisters involved in dance, tennis, and travel volleyball, AJ had sports running through his veins. He even had offers to play NCAA football, with Nick Saban himself reaching out to recruit him. But instead of pursuing a future in football, AJ decided to trade in his cleats for skates.
Growing up in Westlake, Ohio, where football reigns supreme, AJ had football ingrained in him from a young age. His father would toss him a football in the living room, AJ sprinting back and forth to catch it and diving into the couch for receptions. Despite his love for football, AJ was drawn to the ice, a sport that was also a part of his family’s history. His father and uncles played hockey for fun, and his cousin Aiden even played professionally in England.
AJ’s journey into hockey wasn’t an easy one. He divided his time between multiple sports, playing hockey only after the football season ended. Summers were spent playing travel baseball, and he even made time for travel basketball during the year. According to his father, AJ was a talented basketball player, even capable of dunking. The youngest of five siblings, AJ’s parents encouraged him to try a variety of sports to find his passion. While they thought football would be his calling, AJ surprised them by choosing hockey.
In his sophomore year at Saint Ignatius High School, AJ made the bold decision to focus on hockey. Leaving behind five Division I football scholarship offers, he embarked on a new journey on the ice. His skills and development coach, Kenny Ryan, a former NHL draft pick, helped him hone his talents and prepare for a career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Despite starting his offseason training late, AJ was determined to make an impact in the hockey world.
With the support of his family, particularly his father, who emphasized the importance of education and hard work, AJ committed to pursuing hockey at a higher level. Early morning skates and video sessions with his coach became a regular part of his routine as he prepared for his debut with the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL. Although his path to hockey was unconventional, AJ’s dedication and passion for the sport set him on a trajectory towards success.
As AJ transitioned from the gridiron to the ice, he carried with him the lessons learned from his diverse athletic background. The Spellacy way, rooted in the belief that sports offer valuable life lessons, guided AJ on his journey to becoming a rising star in the hockey world. And as he continued to evolve as an athlete, AJ remained grateful for the unwavering support of his family and the opportunities that sports had afforded him.